Discounted spays/neuters in February at AWLA

The economic downturn has hit many families hard, and sadly sometimes expenses that aren’t seen as absolutely essential are done without. But the Animal Welfare League of Arlington is helping low-income families in the metro Washington, D.C., area with discounted rates to spay/neuter their pets every Friday in February.

Pet owners whose household income is less than $40,000 a year (proof of household income is required) can have their male cat neutered for $25 or their female cats and male/female dogs spayed/neutered for $50.

These fees are even lower than the AWLA’s normal low-cost spay/neuter program, which is available year-round to pet owners with a household income that is less than $40,000. Normal low-cost spay/neuter prices range from $75-$122 for cats, $120-155 for dogs (depending on weight and sex).

Spay/neuter costs at veterinary clinics in the Washington, D.C., area can run up to $400 or more for female dogs.

Pet owners must be available to drop off their animals the morning of their spay appointment and pick up their animals that same evening. Spay Day pricing is only available in February. There are limited appointments available, so qualified pet owners are encouraged to register their pets soon by contacting Kimberly Harman at kharman@awla.org or (703) 931-9241, ext. 246.

The effort is part of the Humane Society of the United States’ World Spay Day, which is Tuesday, February 28. The League hopes to spay/neuter at least 50 pets in February to help reduce pet overpopulation.

If you already have a dog, why not consider welcoming another into your home?

The AWLA has a lot of dogs who need a forever home, including 11-month-old Hudson, who I met on our walk tonight when he was out for a stroll with one of the AWLA volunteers. He caught my eye because he looks like a bigger, fluffier version of Sundae, and the volunteer told me they think he’s a mix of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Hudson is very friendly, with beautiful expressive brown eyes, and a goofy, happy demeanor. He and Sundae immediately hit it off, chasing each other as far as their leashes would allow.